Stage Officially Set For Melges 32 World Championship Hosted by New York Yacht Club, September 25-29

Newport, RI - USA - With a record-breaking fully confirmed thirty-three Melges 32s representing eight countries, the International Melges 32 Class Association (IM32CA) is proud to present its largest World Championship ever, hosted by the New York Yacht Club (NYYC).

Boat measurement came to a close early Saturday morning, while registration, crew weigh-in and sail measurement is scheduled to wrap up on Monday afternoon, just in time for the World Championship opening ceremony at NYYC later in the evening.

"The New York Yacht Club is proud to be the host of this magnificent Championship. The caliber of owner and crew is spectacular, as it perfectly complements our strong sailing heritage, and stature, and commitment to one design sailing." commented NYYC Commodore Robert C. Towse Jr. "We wish the best to all the competitors and look forward to crowning the next Melges 32 World Champion next Saturday."

PRO Hank Stuart will conduct the racing, beginning on Tuesday, September 25. The first warning signal is at 11.00.

"Yesterday’s practice racing was just incredible. The sight of thirty-three Melges 32s was amazing. Every boat has a rock star onboard - Ken Read, Steve Benjamin, Jonathan Mckee - the best of the best are here in Newport." say Stuart. "The long range weather forecast looks pretty good, however Wednesday may be a little questionable as some rain and storms are expected. But, regardless we’re planning on two races per day with the option to do three."

MELGES MEDIAThe 2012 Melges 32 World Championship Press Team will be bringing live reports and updates of the racing via the Melges 32 Blog. Every start, play and finish will be published, and as connection allows, video from the race course will be provided too. In addition, the latest racing developments will post to the Official Melges 32 Facebook Page. A host of photos from the event can be found online at melges32.com.

ABOUT THE NEW YORK YACHT CLUBThe New York Yacht Club was formed in 1844 onboard the yacht Gimcrack anchored off the Battery in New York Harbor. The Club's first Cruise was held later that summer bound for Newport, Rhode Island. A year later, the Annual Regatta was begun and the 158th edition was held in 2012. In 1901, the Club's burgee was hoisted over the spectacular beaux-arts style building, designed by Whitney Warren and known for its Model Room and Library, which serves as the Club's home in the heart of Manhattan. Harbour Court, the Club's first permanent waterfront facility commissioned in 1988, overlooks Brenton Cove and Newport Harbor and has become the focal point of many premier regional, national and world sailing championships. The original clubhouse, a small gingerbread trimmed house constructed in 1845 in Hoboken, NJ, now sits on the sloping lawn at Harbour Court. The history and tradition of New York Yacht Club is rich and storied, from winning and defending the America's Cup from 1851 to 1983, to running transatlantic races, cruising, racing, teaching, leading... all distinguished by an enduring passion for yachting. Visit the New York Yacht Club on the web at www.nyyc.org.

ABOUT MELGESMelges Performance Sailboats, the builder of the Melges 32, is the world leader in performance, one design racing. For more than 60 years, Melges has delivered superior-built Scows, Sportboats and Skiffs across the country and around the world. Melges has designed, manufactured and provided continuous customer service and product support unlike anyone else. Now ask yourself, do you believe in speed? Could it be possible to have the luxury of simple sailing that is fun and fast? The answer is without reservation — yes. Signed, sealed, endorsed and delivered by the best, for the best. Visit Melges on the web in the USA, Europe and Australasia.